Ion Perez is still Mr. Universe Tourism 2018 - organizers

Organizers say that Ion Perez is still Mr. Universe Tourism 2018 pending his formal resignation from the organization.

"Let it be known that Mr. Perez from the Philippines has gone rouged but there is no formal resignation submitted by Mr. Perez to the organization," says Jumel Bornilla, President of the Mr. Universe Tourism Organization, in a letter.

Bornilla adds: "The organization is issuing this statement to let everyone know that Mr. Perez suddenly vacated and abandoned his official residence and commitments, that he has prior knowledge of, without conveying any reason at all. The organization has tried several times and still trying to reach out through SMS and calls; however, they were left unanswered;

"The organization is still open for a peaceful dialogue with Mr. Perez. As of this writing, Mr. Benigno “Iion” Perez from the Philippines is still Mr. Universe Tourism 2018," he says.

On Aug, 9, Perez says he resigned as Mr. Universe Tourism. He did not give any details.

The full letter issued and signed by Bornilla and Manuel Genabe III, CEO, MUT:

"We received a link to an article written by esteemed pageant journalist/blogger Mr. Robert “Bobby” R. Requintina stating that Mr. Universe Tourism 2018 Mr. Benigno “Iion” Perez has resigned as the proclaimed Mr. Universe Tourism 2018;

"In the said article published midday of the 9th of August 2018, it was stated, “Opo. Nagresign na na po ako," says Perez in a text message on Aug. 9. (Yes! I have resigned.)” The article's link is supposed to be at https://robertrequintina.blogspot.com/2018/08/ion-perez-resigns-as-mister-universe.html; however, the article has been erased;

"Mr. Universe Tourism Organization embraces the values of integrity, honesty and transparency. The organization is guided by the highest standards of professional ethics. We always act in good faith and operate in a consultative and transparent manner;

"Let it be known that Mr. Perez from the Philippines has gone rouged but there is no formal resignation submitted by Mr. Perez to the organization;

"The organization is issuing this statement to let everyone know that Mr. Perez suddenly vacated and abandoned his official residence and commitments, that he has prior knowledge of, without conveying any reason at all. The organization has tried several times and still trying to reach out through SMS and calls; however, they were left unanswered;

"The organization is still open for a peaceful dialogue with Mr. Perez. As of this writing, Mr. Benigno “Iion” Perez from the Philippines is still Mr. Universe Tourism 2018;

"Finally, the organization would like to express its utmost gratitude to the sponsors, National Directors and supporters of Mr. Perez and Mr. Universe Tourism Organization."

Organizers did not give any deadline in pursuing the dialogue. - ROBERT REQUINTINA